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Strawberry Tree

Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha

Project update

The front lawn is divided into two sections that are bisected by the walkway that leads to the front door. I've been frustrated and disappointed by numerous attempts to grow grass here so I've decided to do away with the grass and cover the areas in gravel pathways and mondo grass and other shade-loving groundcovers.

This weekend I finished the smaller area and I think I'm pleased with the results. What do you think?

Before -





And after -










Now, on to tackle the other side which is double the size. More to come!

Comments

  1. You certainly should be pleased with the outcome. It is gorgeous and the path is so inviting. It makes you want to skip right into the garden.

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  2. Looks very nice and the gravel makes the daylilies' foliage pop.
    Kim in Japan

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  3. You have created a neat path adorned with beautiful plants. I like the white lion standing guard there. Very nice!

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  4. Just beautiful! It brings the front garden to a whole new level!

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  5. Phillip that looks fantastic!I bet it was hard work moving all that gravel!

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  6. I think it's just perfect! You've added dimension and... the design makes me want to explore what lies at the end of those paths! Great composition!

    Cameron
    PS This time of year, I do so envy those with shade gardens!

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  7. It looks great. What a difference it made in the look of the area. I've always been afraid to use gravel on my paths but I may change my mind.

    Marnie

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  8. Question: What did you use to keep the gravel from migrating into the mondo grass area? I can't tell on my monitor.

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  9. C.C., I don't have anything at the moment and that may be a problem later on. I initially wanted to put a brick lined barrier between the walk and the mondo grass but I decided not to. I may add it in the future if the grass becomes a problem in the pathway.

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  10. The addition of the path and bed brings this entire front area togethor! Look at the before and after pictures again and you'll see the very dramatic change that's happened. The contrast of gravel to plant material anchors this area in a way that was missing before. I know this was a lot of work, but the results are outstanding. Your a step closer to yard saling that mower also! Bill

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  11. Those are excellent results especially as your house seems to have doubled in size in the first after shot (ha ha)! Isn't it gratifying to have a large project behind you? (But not so fun to have a large behind... ooh! I think I've had too much sugar this morning.) :)

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  12. I love how it turned out! I have a gravel path in the backyard with no raised barrier to keep the gravel out of the flower bed. It hasn't been a problem at all, I just use a rake along the edges every so often and it looks good as new.

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  13. My goodness, Phillip! This is wonderful! It makes me want to jump right into your photos and take a leisurely stroll. :)

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  14. It looks wonderful, Phillip. Obviously a lot of hard work, both in thinking/planning and building, went into this. Love the gravel colour.

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  15. Also...The gravel color you choose really brightens (reflex light) in this area. With the new light, you can appreciate the colors and textures of the surrounding plants so much more. Bill

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  16. Wow, I think it looks fabulous! It's very inviting and makes me want to round the bend. GREAT!

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  17. The gravel is actually multi-colored stones but you can't tell it from the photos. This is like the pebbles that were around our house when I was growing up. They are really pretty.

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  18. Ditto what they all have said! it's great looking! gail

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  19. Wow! - was my reaction!Wonderful! I love mondo grass, it multiplies! Great job Phillip!

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  20. It looks good Phillip, a huge improvement on before.

    I look forward to the update(s), This is a new plant to me so I'll stay tuned.

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  21. Phillip~~ I love the before photo with all the shade and enclosure. You have a great set of bones to work with and your transformation is nothing short of miraculous. I just wanted to keep staring at the photos. Tranquility suffused with a modicum of curiosity and fun. Outstanding!

    Yes, Oregon is similar to Washington in that it is divided into two climates. The cascade mountain range delineates the two. Thankfully I live on the plant/people-friendly west side with a strong marine influence that typically keeps our weather on the mild side. The east side is plagued with severe winters as well as summers. I'm glad that you can take the heat [105 wow!] otherwise your yard would be perennially the Before photo. :]

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  22. Like everyone else, Phillip, I'm impressed and intrigued by how much the path and planted bed has changed the relationship between the house, front yard and sidewalk. Wow!

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  23. What they said, plus, you've heard from the pros : It looks fantastic, Phillip. Couldn't have done better myself :-)

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  24. It looks great. Due to shade and slope, grass does not work well in my front either. You'll never regret your the loss.

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  25. Thanks for all the comments! I appreciate it.

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  26. Heirloom Gardener, one thing I know I won't miss is the mowing - not one of my favorite chores.

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  27. Looking good! It isn't easy working on projects in the heat this time of year, but we continue on anyway!!!!

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  28. This is looking so good!!! I'm excited for you.

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  29. Looks really nice!


    I´m a Swedish woman living in Singapore and I love taking photos:)

    Have a good day!

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  30. That looks really good Phillip! I have an area on the side of the house where I can't get grass to grow either. hmmm........

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  31. Wow! What a difference in such a short amount of time! Beautiful! It kind of reminds me of the walking paths at the Hemingway House in Key West. Beautiful job, Phillip!

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  32. It is looking really good Phillip, I just love it. It reminds me that a do have to order loads of more gravel :-)

    Tyra

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